AVONDALE, Ariz.—The iconic Petty blue will serve as the background color for the Richard Petty Motorsports No. 43 car when Smithfield Foods and its brands adorn the hood.

Smithfield will sponsor Aric Almirola for 24 of the 36 races this year.

Aric Almirola's No. 43 car will carry the familiar Petty blue for 24 races this season with Smithfield foods as the sponsor. (AP Photo)

"I'm really humbled by everyone at Smithfield and all their companies to decide to make this change," said team owner Richard Petty.

"They have been great partners for us as a company and this really proves that. Our fans will now be able to easily recognize the No. 43 Ford and Aric on the track throughout the season. It will also bring back a lot of good memories for me each time I see it."

It will be the first time in more than 40 years that the famous color will be on the Petty car for the majority of the season. Petty made the color famous with his success in the 1960s and 1970s.

"We want to connect the tradition and history of Richard Petty and Richard Petty Motorsports fans to our Smithfield Foods family of brands," Smithfield Foods CEO Larry Pope said in an news release.